About Us

About Us

First established in 1839, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) is an employer organisation registered under the Fair Work Commission. The AHA ACT Branch is a proud member of the AHA National network.

Established in 1994, the AHA ACT Branch is the leading, united industry association representing and advocating for the licensed hospitality and tourism sector in the ACT. Members include bars, taverns, accommodation hotels, restaurants, cafes, educational institutions, retail liquor outlets, nightclubs and the Convention Centre.

The majority of AHA ACT members are successful small businesses operated by local proprietors, while others are part of the world’s largest and most recognisable hotel chains and international businesses. Located in Barton at the foot of Canberra’s iconic Parliament House, the AHA ACT has dedicated staff that service the ACT as well as having strong links to the AHA National Office in Canberra.

On behalf of members, the AHA ACT is focused on several key areas:

Advocating on behalf of the licensed hospitality and tourism industry as the leading voice for the collective interests of business owners and leaders in the industry. AHA ACT has strong links and interaction with all sides of politics in Canberra at a local and Federal level. The AHA ACT is also well represented on several industry committees, Boards and advisory panels to enhance the competitiveness and vibrancy of the industry.

Providing expert industrial relations and workplace relations advice services to help members comply with employment issues, regulatory and legislative matters and other industry-related issues including liquor licensing, regulations, law enforcement, gaming and food safety.

Working with key suppliers and industry-related businesses to improve relationships and build and strengthen networks across the hospitality and tourism sector.

Key Objectives and Industry Statistics

The AHA ACT is committed to the following key objectives:

Promote and protect the business interests of Canberra’s licensed hospitality and tourism industry businesses

Advocate on policy issues to improve the competitiveness and vibrancy of the local licensed hospitality sector

Advise members on any key issues including industrial relations, liquor licensing, training, regulations and tourism matters

Monitor all proceedings in local and Federal Parliament and to analyse, comment and advocate on all industry issues affecting members

Maintain and promote high standards of service and conduct across the licensed hospitality industry.

ACT hospitality industry facts

Employment:

More than 18,000 people in ACT

Payroll:

More than $300 million per annum

Capital value:

In excess of $1.8 billion

Retail sales from public:

More than $1 billion per annum

AHA ACT operations and members

The AHA ACT is structured to provide effective representation and advice to members through locally elected delegates, and by holding regular AHA ACT Board meetings within Canberra.

Members are entitled to access most AHA ACT services free, or for a significantly discounted fee-for-service price.

Members can nominate to be elected to the Association’s governing Board within the electoral structure of the AHA.

Members are informed of all issues and developments that directly affect the hospitality industry in the ACT through the AHA’s local and national network.

Challenges facing the industry

Canberra’s licensed hospitality and tourism sector is part of an ever-changing industry beset by regulations (red-tape), meaning businesses require all the assistance possible to operate successfully. Significant policy issues affecting AHA ACT’s membership include liquor licensing and regulation, tourism, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), occupational health and safety, food safety, law enforcement, gaming, industrial relations and a host of small business issues.

The AHA ACT works and consults with a unique and wide spectrum of stakeholders in the ACT including Government agencies, political leaders from all sides of politics and other key business and industry groups and associations.

Expert Industrial Relations Advice

AHA ACT offers specialist and expert IR services through our AHA network to help with member advice on workplace matters.

Board Members & Staff

Anthony Brierley

General Manager

Michael Capezio

AHA ACT President

Todd Handy

Accommodation Div. President

Arna Bianchini

Membership Liaison Officer

Joanna Minchinton

AHA ACT Industrial Relations Consultant

Contact

AHA ACT’s Branch office is located in Manuka and is open 9am to 5pm weekdays.